Trump Hopes End to Iran War Is Near as Post-War Plans Take Shape

US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that an end to the war against Iran is near. The conflict, which began seven months ago, shows no signs of abating. Trump's comments come as he prepares to meet Gulf leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week.

The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, will focus on US plans for a post-war strategy in the region. Axios reported that Trump's discussion with Gulf leaders will center around efforts to end the conflict and pave the way for a post-war approach.

Iran has been pushing for an agreement to bring an end to the fighting, with Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad saying reconstruction of oil industry facilities damaged during the war is progressing well. He noted that part of the lost capacity is expected to return by late March, with the remaining capacity becoming available in the first half of the next Iranian year.

Meanwhile, the conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where Saudi strikes have killed one person and damaged telecommunications towers. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have been reporting daily Saudi strikes since seizing control of strategic coastal areas overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb strait.